Goin' to the gun show? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

echo5delta · 04-26-2008, 04:22 PM

So, I admit it: I'm that guy who wanders around gun shows who knows just enough to get himself in trouble most of the time.

Next weekend, I'll be heading to Raleigh for the bigass gun show there, and I might even get serious about looking to buy something. I'm definitely going to look for some cheap, bulk ammo.

So does anyone have any hard & fast personal rules concerning gun shows? Good stories or nice finds? Pointers for a window shopper?

The_Dunedan · 04-26-2008, 05:18 PM

First off, forget the cheap bulk ammo. Ammo costs rise every week; the war's eating all the ammunition, and the Chinese are eating all the raw metals. Expect to pay 2x-5x what you paid a year ago, depending on calibre. No, the dealers aren't trying to rip you off: the ammunition simply isn't there to be had.

Second, gunshows are great places to find ATF agents trolling for arrests. If anything feels even VAGUELY hinky, walk away. Don't go asking about machineguns or silencers or such unless you're talking to someone who's obviously a Class-III dealer. This kind of thing is much less prevalent than under the Klinton Regime, but can still be a potential problem. Basically, watch your mouth and don't let someone who seems suspicious drag you into something off-kilter. Be especially careful of anyone who approaches you unsolicited, DOUBLY so if they start asking wierd questions.

Third, don't expect much in the way of "clean" private sales. Gunshows are mostly dealers these days. If you -do- find a private sale, take especial care when buying "Sport Utility Weapons." Check carefully for preban/postban hybrids: even though the ban's histoy, a hybrid can still ruin your day.

Fourth, carry a supply of plastic zipties and a cutter. If you want to inspect or dry-fire a weapon*, this'll let you replace the tie the dealer has to cut off. This will look really good to the dealer, and may grease some wheels.

Fifth, if you're looking for something (or a few somethings) specific, look for those things first, then look at all the cool toys. If you're after ammo, unpapered pistols, and parts for your M1-A, make a list and sweep the show for those things first. You can't buy someone if someone beats you to it, after all. Prioritize.

Hope this helps!

*Ask before you snap a gun off and NEVER dry-fire a rimfire for any reason.

Plan9 · 04-28-2008, 05:20 PM

First rule of comparison shopping:

Know the prices of the items you want so you know deal when ya see one.

04-26-2008, 04:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
echo5delta Crazy Location: Swamp Lagoon, North Cackalacky	Goin' to the gun show? So, I admit it: I'm that guy who wanders around gun shows who knows just enough to get himself in trouble most of the time. Next weekend, I'll be heading to Raleigh for the bigass gun show there, and I might even get serious about looking to buy something. I'm definitely going to look for some cheap, bulk ammo. So does anyone have any hard & fast personal rules concerning gun shows? Good stories or nice finds? Pointers for a window shopper? __________________ "Peace" is when nobody's shooting. A "Just Peace" is when we get what we want. - Bill Mauldin

04-28-2008, 05:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	First rule of comparison shopping: Know the prices of the items you want so you know deal when ya see one. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

04-26-2008, 05:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Dunedan Junkie	First off, forget the cheap bulk ammo. Ammo costs rise every week; the war's eating all the ammunition, and the Chinese are eating all the raw metals. Expect to pay 2x-5x what you paid a year ago, depending on calibre. No, the dealers aren't trying to rip you off: the ammunition simply isn't there to be had. Second, gunshows are great places to find ATF agents trolling for arrests. If anything feels even VAGUELY hinky, walk away. Don't go asking about machineguns or silencers or such unless you're talking to someone who's obviously a Class-III dealer. This kind of thing is much less prevalent than under the Klinton Regime, but can still be a potential problem. Basically, watch your mouth and don't let someone who seems suspicious drag you into something off-kilter. Be especially careful of anyone who approaches you unsolicited, DOUBLY so if they start asking wierd questions. Third, don't expect much in the way of "clean" private sales. Gunshows are mostly dealers these days. If you -do- find a private sale, take especial care when buying "Sport Utility Weapons." Check carefully for preban/postban hybrids: even though the ban's histoy, a hybrid can still ruin your day. Fourth, carry a supply of plastic zipties and a cutter. If you want to inspect or dry-fire a weapon, this'll let you replace the tie the dealer has to cut off. This will look really good to the dealer, and may grease some wheels. Fifth, if you're looking for something (or a few somethings) specific, look for those things first, then look at all the cool toys. If you're after ammo, unpapered pistols, and parts for your M1-A, make a list and sweep the show for those things first. You can't buy someone if someone beats you to it, after all. Prioritize. Hope this helps! Ask before you snap a gun off and NEVER dry-fire a rimfire for any reason.